NEW YORK—Ryan Dempster can envision the ultimate Canadian convergence in Tuesday's All-Star Game: him on the mound, Russell Martin behind the plate and Justin Morneau in the batter's box.
"I'd just dot him right in the back with a fastball and see if he's got enough guts to come out to the mound," the noted jokester from Gibsons, B.C., said with a smirk. "That would be awesome. I want to jersey him."
While that scenario is unlikely to play out, the trio represent a record dose of Canadian content at the All-Star Game. Several midsummer classics have featured two Canucks, most recently last season when both Martin and Morneau went, and their national pride was obvious during Monday's media day in New York.
"The Canadians, we're taking over," said Martin, the outstanding Los Angeles Dodgers catcher from Chelsea, Que. "You better watch out."
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jason Bay could have made it four Canadians, as the native of Trail, B.C., is also enjoying a strong season. But the two-time All-Star was hurt by the numbers game, leaving the others to represent the Maple Leaf at Yankee Stadium.
"When the rosters got announced, I texted Russ and Demps and told them it was pretty exciting," said Morneau, the Minnesota Twins first baseman from New Westminster, B.C. "I didn't know how many guys had made it before, and Bay could have made it another guy.
"(The record) is pretty cool, that's something that definitely we're proud of."
Morneau, Martin and Dempster, the Chicago Cubs right-hander, were each named to their second All-Star Game, although it means different things to all three.
Morneau and Martin are still young stars on the rise and their selection only affirms their status among the game's elite.
For Dempster, it's his first time back since he was a member of the Florida Marlins in 2000, and his return comes after his career path has wound through several detours.
Dempster's numbers in Florida took a dip after that All-Star season and he was traded to Cincinnati in 2002. He blew out his elbow the next year, the Reds cut ties with him after the season, and he eventually signed with the Cubs with the aim of becoming a closer.
He excelled in that role, saving 87 games from 2004-07 before converting back to a starter this season. Good idea. He's 10-4 with a 3.25 ERA in 20 outings.
"Going through injury, having Tommy John (surgery) and coming back from that, closing then back starting, and just going through everything this year, it's been a fun journey," he said. "Hopefully, now I can keep it going and just be as consistent as possible."
Dempster says he doesn't spend too much time thinking about what might have been, the lost time, or take any extra satisfaction from making it back to the NL squad. He plans to make the most of every moment, however, knowing such opportunities can be fleeting.
"When I went that year (2000), I thought I'd go the next year and the next year. That's how you feel; you feel confident in yourself and your ability. It didn't work out that way," he said. "You can't control injuries, all you can control is rehab and trying to
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